Rock Ant vs Common Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Rock Ant Common Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Temnothorax rugatulus Hemerobius humulinus
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Formicidae Hemerobiidae
Size 2-3 mm 6-10 mm
Habitat Mountains Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Western United States, Mexico Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Rock Ant

A tiny dark ant that nests in rock crevices at high elevations in western North America. Colonies contain about 200 workers and exhibit collective decision-making. Workers are dark brown with rugose sculpture on the body.

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Did You Know?

Studies showed that about 40% of workers in a colony are consistently inactive, serving as a reserve labor force.

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.