The Giant Lacewing is one of North America's largest neuropterans, with a wingspan reaching 2.5 inches and intricately spotted, smoky wings. It represents an ancient lineage with fossils from the Jurassic and was thought to have vanished from North America until rediscovered in 2012 in an Arkansas city. This discovery was remarkable because the species was not known from eastern North America for 50 years.
Best time to see a Giant Lacewing
The best time to see a Giant Lacewing is August–September, when about 78% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,258 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Giant Lacewing? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Giant Lacewing sightings near you
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