Dermestid Beetle vs Chilean Green Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dermestid Beetle Chilean Green Lacewing
Scientific Name Dermestes maculatus Chrysoperla externa
Order Coleoptera Neuroptera
Family Dermestidae Chrysopidae
Size 6-10mm 14-22 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions Worldwide South America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Dermestid Beetle

A small dark beetle with white undersides used by museums and taxidermists to clean skeletons. Larvae are covered in bristly hairs.

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Did You Know?

Natural history museums keep colonies of these beetles specifically to clean flesh from bones for skeletal displays.

Chilean Green Lacewing

The most common green lacewing in South America with a broad distribution. Extensively used for biological control in Brazilian agriculture.

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Did You Know?

Brazilian farmers rear millions of these lacewings annually for release in soybean and cotton fields.