Pacific Brown Lacewing vs Desert Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pacific Brown Lacewing Desert Antlion
Scientific Name Hemerobius pacificus Brachynemurus abdominalis
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Hemerobiidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 10-14 mm wingspan 35-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Forests Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Western North America North America
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.

Desert Antlion

A large antlion species common in desert regions of North America. Unlike some relatives, its larvae hunt without building pit traps.

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Did You Know?

Its larvae ambush prey from just beneath the sand surface rather than constructing elaborate pit traps.