White-spotted Ichneumon vs Silky Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White-spotted Ichneumon Silky Lacewing
Scientific Name Compsocryptus texensis Psychopsis illidgei
Order Hymenoptera Neuroptera
Family Ichneumonidae Psychopsidae
Size 10-18 mm 30-50 mm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Forests
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Southern United States, Mexico Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White-spotted Ichneumon

A medium black ichneumon wasp with conspicuous white spots on the thorax and legs. It parasitizes spider egg sacs and caterpillars.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the few ichneumon wasps adapted to the hot, dry conditions of the American Southwest.

Silky Lacewing

A beautiful Australian lacewing with large, rounded wings covered in intricate patterns resembling tree bark. It rests with wings flat against surfaces for camouflage.

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Did You Know?

Silky lacewings belong to an ancient family with fossils dating back to the Jurassic period, over 160 million years ago.