Nervous Brown Lacewing vs Large Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Nervous Brown Lacewing Large Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Micromus variegatus Drepanepteryx phalaenoides
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Hemerobiidae Hemerobiidae
Size 6-10 mm wingspan 18-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Tundra & Arctic Woodlands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Europe, Asia, North Africa Europe, Western Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Nervous Brown Lacewing

A tiny mottled brown lacewing found across the Palearctic region. Despite its small size, it is an effective predator of aphid colonies.

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Did You Know?

Its small size allows it to hunt in tight plant crevices that larger predators cannot reach.

Large Brown Lacewing

The largest European brown lacewing with distinctively hooked wing tips. Resembles a dead leaf when at rest on branches.

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Did You Know?

Its hooked wing tips and brown mottling make it one of the best leaf mimics among lacewings.