Thread-Winged Lacewing vs Lutescent Brown Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thread-Winged Lacewing Lutescent Brown Lacewing
Scientific Name Nemoptera sinuata Hemerobius lutescens
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Nemopteridae Hemerobiidae
Size 25-30 mm body; 40 mm hindwing streamers 8-12 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Pollen Feeders Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Northern Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

The extraordinary ribbon-like hindwings are thought to confuse predators by creating a misleading silhouette in flight.

Lutescent Brown Lacewing

A yellowish-brown lacewing found in European coniferous forests. Strongly associated with spruce and pine trees.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most important natural predators of spruce aphids in European forestry.