Tasmanian Brown Lacewing vs Split-Footed Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tasmanian Brown Lacewing Split-Footed Lacewing
Scientific Name Micromus tasmaniae Nymphes myrmeleonides
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Hemerobiidae Nymphidae
Size 7-11 mm wingspan 50-70 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands Oceania
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.

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.