Psychopsis insolens

Psychopsis insolens is a member of the silky lacewing family Psychopsidae. These delicate and diaphanous insects are nocturnal and I found this one in repose on my house wall during the day.

The silky lacewings are distinguishable in their adult stage by their patterned wings which are covered in soft hair. The wings have a broad shape with marked venation.

15 mm wingspan at the widest point and 12 mm body length.

comments (9)

Mark Ridgway

Lion

I didn't know about these Ruth. Wonderful. Thank you. Posted 3 years ago, modified 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Pleasure, curious little find for sure Mark. Beautifully dainty. Posted 3 years ago

Patomarazul

Lion

Very clear picture of such a small bug, thanks for sharing! Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Pleasure, glad you enjoyed. Posted 3 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Incredibly beautiful! Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Isn't it?! I've never seen anything quite so ephemeral and dainty. I did take other shots with different camera settings and these give a clearer view of the venation etc, will post when edited. Posted 3 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    I agree! 'Ephemeral' is the perfect word to describe it. The wings have an almost feather-like appearance. Posted 3 years ago

Calbost Niel

Lion

Absolutely amazing Ruth Posted 3 years ago
1. Ruth Spigelman
  
  Lion
  
  Glad you enjoyed Niel! I love such random surprise finds around the house, I've had some awesome ones over the years. Posted 3 years ago

The Silky lacewing

Silky lacewings are small and delicate insects distinguishable in their adult stage by their patterned, pubescent wings with a broad wing shape, dense venation, and the presence of a vena triplica (the apical fusion of three veins in the hindwing)

Info 2 0

Similar species: Net-winged Insects

Species identified by Ruth Spigelman