Split-Footed Lacewing vs Italian Owlfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Split-Footed Lacewing Italian Owlfly
Scientific Name Nymphes myrmeleonides Libelloides italicus
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Nymphidae Ascalaphidae
Size 50-70 mm wingspan 20-25 mm body, 45-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Oceania Southern Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Split-Footed Lacewing

A large Australian lacewing with a wingspan up to 70 mm and distinctive bilobed tarsi. Adults are nocturnal and attracted to lights.

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Did You Know?

This species belongs to an ancient lineage of lacewings found only in Australia, dating back over 150 million years.

Italian Owlfly

A handsome owlfly with distinctive half-black, half-yellow hindwings. It is an agile predator of small flying insects in Mediterranean regions.

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Did You Know?

Males perform aerial territorial displays, chasing rivals in spiraling flight patterns.