About Giant Lacewing
Once widespread across North America, it vanished from the eastern US by the 1950s. A single specimen was rediscovered in Walmart parking lot in Arkansas in 2012 after 50 years.
Did You Know?
This giant lacewing was thought extinct in eastern North America for 50 years — until a single specimen was collected at a Walmart parking lot in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2012.
How to Identify Giant Lacewing
Giant Lacewing (Polystoechotes punctata) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Ithonidae. Adults typically measure 40-75 mm wingspan.
Giant Lacewing Habitat
Giant Lacewing is found in rivers & streams habitats, particularly across North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Giant Lacewing Diet and Feeding
Giant Lacewing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Giant Lacewing Found?
Giant Lacewing can be found in North America, where it inhabits rivers & streams environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Giant Lacewing can be found
Is Giant Lacewing Dangerous?
Giant Lacewing 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.
Giant Lacewing Role in Nature
Giant Lacewing plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Giant Lacewing are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Giant Lacewing
What does Giant Lacewing look like?
The Giant Lacewing typically measures 40-75 mm wingspan.
Where is Giant Lacewing found?
The Giant Lacewing is found in North America and typically inhabits rivers & streams environments.
What does Giant Lacewing eat?
The Giant Lacewing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Giant Lacewing dangerous to humans?
The Giant Lacewing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Giant Lacewing endangered?
The Giant Lacewing is currently classified as Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Giant Lacewing?
This giant lacewing was thought extinct in eastern North America for 50 years — until a single specimen was collected at a Walmart parking lot in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 2012.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Giant Lacewing (Polystoechotes punctata). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/giant-lacewing
MLA:
"Giant Lacewing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/giant-lacewing.