About North American Brown Lacewing
A common brown lacewing of North American deciduous forests. Frequently encountered on foliage in eastern woodlands during summer.
Did You Know?
It is one of the most commonly collected hemerobiids in Malaise trap surveys across eastern forests.
How to Identify North American Brown Lacewing
North American Brown Lacewing (Hemerobius ovalis) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Hemerobiidae. Adults typically measure 9-13 mm wingspan.
North American Brown Lacewing Habitat
North American Brown Lacewing is found in woodlands habitats, particularly across Eastern North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
North American Brown Lacewing Diet and Feeding
North American Brown Lacewing is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is North American Brown Lacewing Found?
North American Brown Lacewing can be found in Eastern North America, where it inhabits woodlands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where North American Brown Lacewing can be found
Is North American Brown Lacewing Dangerous?
North American Brown 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.
North American Brown Lacewing Role in Nature
North American Brown Lacewing is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About North American Brown Lacewing
What does North American Brown Lacewing look like?
The North American Brown Lacewing typically measures 9-13 mm wingspan.
Where is North American Brown Lacewing found?
The North American Brown Lacewing is found in Eastern North America and typically inhabits woodlands environments.
What does North American Brown Lacewing eat?
The North American Brown Lacewing feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is North American Brown Lacewing dangerous to humans?
The North American Brown Lacewing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about North American Brown Lacewing?
It is one of the most commonly collected hemerobiids in Malaise trap surveys across eastern forests.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). North American Brown Lacewing (Hemerobius ovalis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/north-american-brown-lacewing
MLA:
"North American Brown Lacewing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/north-american-brown-lacewing.