Tasmanian Brown Lacewing vs Long-Toed Water Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tasmanian Brown Lacewing Long-Toed Water Beetle
Scientific Name Micromus tasmaniae Stenelmis crenata
Order Neuroptera Coleoptera
Family Hemerobiidae Elmidae
Size 7-11 mm wingspan 2-3.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Rivers & Streams
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tasmanian Brown Lacewing

A small Australian brown lacewing that has become a globally significant biocontrol agent. Widely studied for its effectiveness against crop aphids.

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Did You Know?

A single adult can eat over 100 aphids per week, making it highly valued in Australian agriculture.

Long-Toed Water Beetle

A small riffle beetle with elongated tarsal claws for gripping rocks in fast currents. Both adults and larvae are entirely aquatic.

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Did You Know?

Adults can live for several years underwater, far longer than most beetles.