Spoonwing Lacewing vs Patagonian Bumble Bee

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spoonwing Lacewing Patagonian Bumble Bee
Scientific Name Nemoptera bipennis Bombus dahlbomii
Order Neuroptera Hymenoptera
Family Nemopteridae Apidae
Size 20-28 mm body 20-40 mm
Habitat Grasslands Heathland
Diet Nectar Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Europe Chile, Argentina
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

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.

Patagonian Bumble Bee

The largest bumble bee in the world, with queens reaching up to 40 mm in length and covered in dense orange fur. Its populations have collapsed following the introduction of European bumble bees to South America.

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Did You Know?

Locals call it the flying mouse due to its enormous size and dense furry appearance.