Margined Brown Lacewing vs Mountain Dance Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Margined Brown Lacewing Mountain Dance Fly
Scientific Name Hemerobius marginatus Empis pennipes
Order Neuroptera Diptera
Family Hemerobiidae Empididae
Size 8-12 mm wingspan 5-8 mm body length
Habitat Woodlands Rivers & Streams
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Europe, Alps, Scandinavia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Margined Brown Lacewing

A European brown lacewing with darkened wing margins found in deciduous woodland. Common but often overlooked due to its small size.

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Did You Know?

It is often found in old orchards where it helps suppress aphid populations on fruit trees.

Mountain Dance Fly

A predatory fly with feathery leg fringes used in aerial mating displays. Males offer prey gifts wrapped in silk to females during courtship.

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Did You Know?

Males with the most elaborate feathered legs are preferred by females during mating swarms.