Thread-Winged Lacewing vs Heath Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Thread-Winged Lacewing | Heath Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nemoptera sinuata | Chorthippus vagans |
| Order | Neuroptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Nemopteridae | Acrididae |
| Size | 25-30 mm body; 40 mm hindwing streamers | 12-18mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Pollen Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Near Threatened |
Thread-Winged Lacewing
An unmistakable insect with elongated, ribbon-like hindwings that trail behind in flight. Found in dry Mediterranean habitats where it feeds on pollen.
Did You Know?
The extraordinary ribbon-like hindwings are thought to confuse predators by creating a misleading silhouette in flight.
Heath Grasshopper
A small brown grasshopper confined to heathland. One of the rarest grasshoppers in Britain.
Did You Know?
Confined to a handful of heathland sites in Dorset and threatened by heathland loss and scrub encroachment.