Silky Lacewing vs Pleasing Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silky Lacewing Pleasing Lacewing
Scientific Name Psychopsis illidgei Nallachius americanus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Psychopsidae Dilaridae
Size 30-50 mm wingspan 8-12 mm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Wood Feeders
Regions Oceania North America
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

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Did You Know?

Silky lacewings belong to an ancient family with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, over 160 million years ago.

Pleasing Lacewing

A small and uncommon lacewing with feathery antennae in males. Larvae develop under bark feeding on wood-boring insect larvae.

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Did You Know?

Male pleasing lacewings have elaborate feathered antennae used to detect female pheromones over long distances.