Key stats
- Length: 1cm
- Distribution in Scotland: East Coast; Holyrood Park in Edinburgh
- Conservation status: Scottish Biodiversity list
- Species on the Edge areas: East Coast
Species information
How to identify
The bordered brown lacewing is around 1cm in length, with a brown body and brown, patterned wings. This species can be identified by the wide costal space on both forewings (the area between the outer edge of the wing and the humeral vein that runs along the length of the wing) which can be seen both with the naked eye and through a hand lens. This species also has a minimum of five veins branching off from the humeral vein, sometimes as many as seven.
Lifecycle
Adult females lay each egg individually and on the underside of the leaves of wood sage and potentially other plant species. The larval stage has been known to last up to four years and, when ready to pupate, they will overwinter in their cocoons to emerge as adults the following year. Life span: typically 1 year.
Distribution
The species is widely distributed across northern and central Europe. In the UK it is only found in Scotland – at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh, at several sites along the coast from Stonehaven down to St Cyrus National Nature Reserve and an individual was recorded on the coast at a site in Sutherland in 2021.
Habitat and feeding
In the UK, the bordered brown lacewing is thought to have an association with aphids and other insects on wood sage growing on rocky exposed slopes. In Europe it may not be confined to this plant but may also be associated with hazels (Corylus species) and other species of plant.
Conservation status
As a result of its restricted distribution in Scotland the species is on the Scottish Biodiversity List (SBL). Given the poor knowledge of its current distribution there is a pressing need to determine its status in the UK.
Threats
Loss of habitat – they appear to prefer exposed, rocky cliffs along the coast and at Holyrood Park. These habitats are fragile and threatened by erosion and encroachment of scrub such as Gorse.
What Species on the Edge is doing
- Monitoring and surveying to find new populations and better understand the species’ needs
- Working with landowners to undertake small habitat management interventions
How you can help
Join the 200 Hours for Lacewings challenge and help us put the Bordered Brown Lacewing on the map!
Join our mailing list for the East Coast to keep up to date with bordered brown lacewing events and opportunities.
Watch
Learn more about the elusive Bordered Brown Lacewing and how to get involved in efforts to conserve it in our online talk: Surveying the Bordered Brown Lacewing
Watch
Learn more about the elusive Bordered Brown Lacewing and how to get involved in efforts to conserve it in our online talk: Surveying the Bordered Brown Lacewing
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