Hemerobiidae (Brown Lacewings) Identification

There have been 32 species of Hemerobiidae recorded in the British Isles. The features of the wing venation and genitalia are important for identifying species. Here is a simple guide to help you identify any hemerobiids you come across.

Drepanepteryx phalaenoides. Photograph: O. Fogh Nielsen (CC BY 4.0)

If the forewing is broad and hooked you have Drepanepteryx phalaeonoides (click here) if the wings are rounded at the tip (click here), see below image.

Wing tips broad and hooked (left) and rounded (right). Photographs: O. Fogh Nielsen (left and right) (CC BY 4.0)

Drepanepteryx phalaeonoides

This is an easy to identify Lacewing with broad forewings that are hooked at the tip and a chestnut brown colour. It also tucks its head under its thorax.

Drepanepteryx phlaeonoides defining features. Photographs: O. Fogh Nielsen (CC BY 4.0), G.S. Martin (bottom left and right) (CC BY SA 2.0)