Pacific Brown Lacewing vs Common Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pacific Brown Lacewing Common Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Hemerobius pacificus Hemerobius humulinus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Hemerobiidae Hemerobiidae
Size 10-14 mm wingspan 6-10 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Predators Omnivores
Regions Western North America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Pacific Brown Lacewing

A brown lacewing native to western North America found in coniferous forests. Important natural enemy of hemlock and spruce adelgids.

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Did You Know?

It is being studied as a potential biocontrol agent against the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid.

Common Brown Lacewing

A small brownish lacewing with mottled wings commonly found on deciduous trees. Adults and larvae both feed on aphids and other small insects.

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Did You Know?

Unlike green lacewings, brown lacewing adults are also predatory and actively hunt small insects.