Silky Lacewing vs Mantidfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Silky Lacewing | Mantidfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psychopsis illidgei | Mantispa styriaca |
| Order | Neuroptera | Neuroptera |
| Family | Psychopsidae | Mantispidae |
| Size | 30-50 mm wingspan | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Heathland |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Silky Lacewing
A beautiful Australian lacewing with large, rounded wings covered in intricate patterns resembling tree bark. It rests with wings flat against surfaces for camouflage.
Did You Know?
Silky lacewings belong to an ancient family with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, over 160 million years ago.
Mantidfly
A remarkable insect with raptorial forelegs strikingly similar to a praying mantis, a textbook example of convergent evolution. Adults ambush small insects from vegetation.
Did You Know?
Mantidfly larvae are parasitoids that enter spider egg sacs and feed on the eggs before pupating inside.