Split-banded Owlfly vs Pacific Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Split-banded Owlfly Pacific Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Ascaloptynx appendiculatus Hemerobius pacificus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Ascalaphidae Hemerobiidae
Size 42-55 mm wingspan 10-14 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Eastern United States Western North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Split-banded Owlfly

A striking North American owlfly with a bold dark band across each forewing. Inhabits dry grasslands and open woodland in the eastern states.

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Did You Know?

Males defend aerial territories and engage in dramatic dogfight-like chases with rival males.

Pacific Brown Lacewing

A brown lacewing native to western North America found in coniferous forests. Important natural enemy of hemlock and spruce adelgids.

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Did You Know?

It is being studied as a potential biocontrol agent against the invasive hemlock woolly adelgid.