Signate Green Lacewing vs Common Sootywing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Signate Green Lacewing Common Sootywing
Scientific Name Mallada signatus Pholisora catullus
Order Neuroptera Lepidoptera
Family Chrysopidae Hesperiidae
Size 14-18 mm wingspan 22-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Omnivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia United States and southern Canada
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Signate Green Lacewing

An Australian native lacewing commercially available for garden pest control. One of few lacewings sold in hardware stores for home use.

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Did You Know?

It is sold as eggs on cards in Australian garden centers for home gardeners to release.

Common Sootywing

A very small sooty-black skipper with scattered tiny white spots on the forewings. It is a common but easily overlooked butterfly of disturbed habitats and gardens.

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Did You Know?

It thrives in weedy urban areas that most butterflies avoid, making it a true butterfly of the city.