Tropical Green Lacewing vs Scarlet Skimmer

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tropical Green Lacewing Scarlet Skimmer
Scientific Name Chrysoperla rufilabris Crocothemis erythraea
Order Neuroptera Odonata
Family Chrysopidae Libellulidae
Size 12-18 mm 52-60 mm wingspan
Habitat Underground Ponds & Lakes
Diet Predators Predators
Regions North America, Central America Europe, Africa, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Tropical Green Lacewing

A widely distributed green lacewing used commercially for biological pest control in greenhouses. Larvae are aggressive predators of whiteflies and mealybugs.

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Did You Know?

This species is mass-reared and sold commercially, with millions released annually for organic pest control.

Scarlet Skimmer

A medium-sized dragonfly where males are entirely vivid scarlet red, including the veins of the wings. It is one of the most recognizable dragonflies in the Old World.

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Did You Know?

The scarlet skimmer has been expanding rapidly into northern Europe, establishing breeding populations in countries where it was previously unknown.