🧚 Lacewings & Antlions

Silky Lacewing

Psychopsis illidgei

About 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.

How to Identify Silky Lacewing

Silky Lacewing (Psychopsis illidgei) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Psychopsidae. Adults typically measure 30-50 mm wingspan.

Silky Lacewing Habitat

Silky Lacewing is found in forests habitats, particularly across Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Silky Lacewing Diet and Feeding

Silky 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 Silky Lacewing Found?

Silky Lacewing can be found in Oceania, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Silky Lacewing can be found

Is Silky Lacewing Dangerous?

Silky 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.

Silky Lacewing Role in Nature

Silky Lacewing plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Silky 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

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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Silky Lacewing

What does Silky Lacewing look like?

The Silky Lacewing typically measures 30-50 mm wingspan.

Where is Silky Lacewing found?

The Silky Lacewing is found in Oceania and typically inhabits forests environments.

What does Silky Lacewing eat?

The Silky Lacewing has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.

Is Silky Lacewing dangerous to humans?

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

What is an interesting fact about Silky Lacewing?

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

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Silky Lacewing (Psychopsis illidgei). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/silky-lacewing

MLA:
"Silky Lacewing." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/silky-lacewing.