Tasmanian Brown Lacewing vs Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tasmanian Brown Lacewing Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
Scientific Name Micromus tasmaniae Croce filipennis
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Hemerobiidae Nemopteridae
Size 7-11 mm wingspan 15-20 mm forewing; hindwings up to 80 mm
Habitat Farmland Heathland
Diet Omnivores Predators
Regions Australia, New Zealand, Pacific Islands Southern Africa
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing

A bizarre nemopterid with extremely long, thread-like hindwings. Males have hindwings that can be several times their body length.

💡

Did You Know?

Its hindwings can be four times longer than the forewings, trailing behind like fine threads.