🧚 Lacewings & Antlions

Dustywing

Coniopteryx tineiformis

About Dustywing

A tiny moth-like lacewing covered in a white waxy powder that gives it a dusty appearance. It is an important predator of mites and scale insects on trees.

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

Dustywings are the smallest of all neuropterans and are often overlooked because they resemble tiny moths.

How to Identify Dustywing

Dustywing (Coniopteryx tineiformis) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Coniopterygidae. Adults typically measure 3-5 mm.

Dustywing Habitat

Dustywing is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Dustywing Diet and Feeding

Dustywing is a predatory species that actively hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates. As a predator, it helps control populations of pest species and maintains ecological balance.

Where Is Dustywing Found?

Dustywing can be found in Europe, Asia, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Dustywing can be found

Is Dustywing Dangerous?

Dustywing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.

Dustywing Role in Nature

Dustywing serves as a natural predator, helping to control populations of other insects. Predatory insects are valuable in both natural ecosystems and agriculture, where they reduce the numbers of pest species without the need for chemical pesticides.

Seasonal Activity

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Dustywing

What does Dustywing look like?

The Dustywing typically measures 3-5 mm.

Where is Dustywing found?

The Dustywing is found in Europe, Asia and typically inhabits orchards environments.

What does Dustywing eat?

The Dustywing is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.

Is Dustywing dangerous to humans?

The Dustywing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.

What is an interesting fact about Dustywing?

Dustywings are the smallest of all neuropterans and are often overlooked because they resemble tiny moths.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Dustywing (Coniopteryx tineiformis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dustywing

MLA:
"Dustywing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dustywing.