Spoonwing Lacewing vs North American Spongillafly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spoonwing Lacewing North American Spongillafly
Scientific Name Nemoptera bipennis Climacia areolaris
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Nemopteridae Sisyridae
Size 20-28 mm body 6-10 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Nectar Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Eastern North America
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.

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Did You Know?

The spoon-shaped hindwings create an unusual fluttering flight pattern that makes the insect difficult for predators to track.

North American Spongillafly

A small spongillafly found across eastern North America near fresh water. Its larvae feed on freshwater sponges attached to submerged rocks and logs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae pupate on land inside double-walled cocoons after crawling out of the water.