Narrow-necked Ant Beetle vs Margined Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Narrow-necked Ant Beetle Margined Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Dinarda dentata Hemerobius marginatus
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Staphylinidae Hemerobiidae
Size 3-5 mm 8-12 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Predators
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Narrow-necked Ant Beetle

A flattened, reddish-brown aleocharine rove beetle that inhabits Formica ant nests as a tolerated guest. Its flattened body allows it to move easily through narrow ant nest galleries.

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Did You Know?

If attacked by an ant, this beetle raises its abdomen to present its appeasement glands, releasing chemicals that calm the aggressor.

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.