North American Brown Lacewing vs Silver-washed Fritillary

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute North American Brown Lacewing Silver-washed Fritillary
Scientific Name Hemerobius ovalis Argynnis paphia
Order Neuroptera Lepidoptera
Family Hemerobiidae Nymphalidae
Size 9-13 mm wingspan 54-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

North American Brown Lacewing

A common brown lacewing of North American deciduous forests. Frequently encountered on foliage in eastern woodlands during summer.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most commonly collected hemerobiids in Malaise trap surveys across eastern forests.

Silver-washed Fritillary

A large, fast-flying butterfly with bright orange upperwings marked with black spots and streaks. The hindwing underside has distinctive silvery-green washed streaks.

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Did You Know?

Males perform a spectacular aerial courtship display, flying loops underneath the female while releasing pheromones from specialized wing scales.