Peruvian Mantidfly vs Thread-Winged Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Peruvian Mantidfly Thread-Winged Lacewing
Scientific Name Anchieta fumosella Nemoptera sinuata
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Mantispidae Nemopteridae
Size 16-22 mm wingspan 25-30 mm body; 40 mm hindwing streamers
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Omnivores Pollen Feeders
Regions Peru, Bolivia, South America Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Peruvian Mantidfly

A South American mantidfly found in Andean cloud forests and tropical lowlands. A secretive species rarely encountered by collectors.

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Did You Know?

It is among the least studied mantidflies due to its rarity in collections and remote habitat.

Thread-Winged Lacewing

An unmistakable insect with elongated, ribbon-like hindwings that trail behind in flight. Found in dry Mediterranean habitats where it feeds on pollen.

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Did You Know?

The extraordinary ribbon-like hindwings are thought to confuse predators by creating a misleading silhouette in flight.