Spoonwing Lacewing vs Narrow-winged Bee Fly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Spoonwing Lacewing | Narrow-winged Bee Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nemoptera bipennis | Systoechus vulgaris |
| Order | Neuroptera | Diptera |
| Family | Nemopteridae | Bombyliidae |
| Size | 20-28 mm body | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Europe | Europe, Asia, North Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Spoonwing Lacewing
A graceful insect with spatula-shaped hindwing extensions, giving it an ethereal appearance in flight. Common in Iberian Peninsula grasslands.
Did You Know?
The spoon-shaped hindwings create an unusual fluttering flight pattern that makes the insect difficult for predators to track.
Narrow-winged Bee Fly
A small, hairy bee fly with a rounded body and a short proboscis compared to Bombylius species. It hovers at flowers in arid habitats, frequently visiting low-growing composites.
Did You Know?
Its larvae are important natural enemies of grasshoppers, entering and consuming their egg pods in the soil.