Mantis Lacewing vs Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mantis Lacewing Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing
Scientific Name Mantispa perla Croce filipennis
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Mantispidae Nemopteridae
Size 15-20mm 15-20 mm forewing; hindwings up to 80 mm
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mantis Lacewing

A delicate insect with mantis-like raptorial forelegs and lace-like wings. An ambush predator of small insects.

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Did You Know?

Larvae enter spider egg sacs and consume all the eggs, emerging as adults from the silk cocoon.

Thread-winged Antlion Lacewing

A bizarre nemopterid with extremely long, thread-like hindwings. Males have hindwings that can be several times their body length.

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Did You Know?

Its hindwings can be four times longer than the forewings, trailing behind like fine threads.