About Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
A bizarre nemopterid with extremely long, thread-like hindwings. Males have hindwings that can be several times their body length.
Did You Know?
Its hindwings can be four times longer than the forewings, trailing behind like fine threads.
How to Identify Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing (Croce filipennis) belongs to the order Neuroptera, family Nemopteridae. Adults typically measure 15-20 mm forewing; hindwings up to 80 mm.
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing Habitat
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Southern Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing Diet and Feeding
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing 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 Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing Found?
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing can be found in Southern Africa, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing can be found
Is Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing Dangerous?
Thread-winged Antlion 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.
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing Role in Nature
Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing 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
Frequently Asked Questions About Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
What does Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing look like?
The Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing typically measures 15-20 mm forewing; hindwings up to 80 mm.
Where is Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing found?
The Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing is found in Southern Africa and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing eat?
The Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing is a predator that hunts and feeds on other insects and small invertebrates.
Is Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing dangerous to humans?
The Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing?
Its hindwings can be four times longer than the forewings, trailing behind like fine threads.
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InsectDiscover. (2026). Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing (Croce filipennis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/thread-winged-antlion-lacewing
MLA:
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