200 hours of Lacewings challenge – survey the Bordered Brown Lacewing!

2025 marks 200 years since the Bordered Brown Lacewing was first recorded in the UK. Since then, the rare invertebrate has only been found at a handful of sites in the UK, all of which are in Scotland: along the Aberdeenshire coast; in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh; and one site in Sutherland.

To celebrate its 200th anniversary, we’re challenging the Scottish public to clock up 200 hours of learning about and surveying for the Bordered Brown Lacewing. There are still many unanswered questions about this species’ habitat and distribution that need answered so we can take informed action to support this rare and threatened invertebrate.

Join in the search – who knows, maybe you’ll discover a previously unknown Bordered Brown Lacewing population!

How to get involved

We’re asking the Scottish public to learn about and look for the Bordered Brown Lacewing, to report any sightings of it or its eggs to us, and then to let us know how many hours you’ve clocked up so we can add it to our total!

The Bordered Brown Lacewing is a nationally rare species in the UK and is only known from a small number of locations in Scotland. It is a delicate brown lacewing with finely marked wings, around 1 cm in length.

This species is believed to be strongly associated with wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia), where adults and larvae hunt small insects such as aphids. It is typically found on exposed, rocky, coastal slopes, and possibly disused quarries, where wood sage grows in relatively open conditions.

If you want to get involved in the challenge, please email our Buglife Species on the Edge Conservation officer, Fiona, who will send you a survey form and survey guidance document containing all the information you need to take part: Fiona.basford@buglife.org.uk

We ran an online ‘Surveying the Bordered Brown Lacewing’ workshop which is now available to watch on YouTube. Learn more about the rare invertebrate and how you can join the 200 Hours fo Lacewings challenge:

If you want to help, but aren’t able to get out and look for it, we can absolutely find another way for you to get involved. First off, spread the word! Share our posts on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and tell your networks about our 200 hours for Lacewings challenge. If you’re keen to do more, get in touch with sote@nature.scot and we’ll work with you to find the best way for you to help. 

Let’s work together to put the Bordered Brown Lacewing on the map!

What is the Bordered Brown Lacewing?

The Bordered Brown Lacewing is a nationally rare species in the UK and is only known from a small number of locations in Scotland. It is a delicate brown lacewing with finely marked wings, around 1 cm in length.

Bordered brown lacewing (c) Caitlin McLeod Buglife

This species is believed to be strongly associated with wood sage (Teucrium scorodonia), where adults and larvae hunt small insects such as aphids. It is typically found on exposed, rocky, coastal slopes, and possibly disused quarries, where wood sage grows in relatively open conditions.

Wood sage (c) Caitlin McLeod

Surveying the Bordered Brown Lacewing – the basics

If you want to get involved in the challenge, please email our Buglife Species on the Edge Conservation officer, Fiona, who will send you a survey form and survey guidance document containing all the information you need to take part: Fiona.basford@buglife.org.uk

But, so you have an idea of what’s involved, here’s the basics:

• Locate areas of wood sage and, from early June to mid-July, head out to do your survey! A dry, warm, still day is the best time to search for adults. Eggs and larvae may be present slightly before and after the main adult flight period, although these stages are very difficult to detect in the field.
• To find the Bordered Brown Lacewing, methodically beat the wood sage plant using a stick while holding a white tray or basin underneath. Check the tray periodically for Bordered Brown Lacewing.
• Once identified, put it into a specimen jar and photograph it as clearly as possible for positive identification.
• Fill in the rest of the details in our survey form including number of the individuals seen, a grid reference (can be found using a grid reference phone app), and information about the habitat.
• Send your completed survey form back to Fiona!

Health and safety

Do not put yourself at risk in looking for the Bordered Brown Lacewing.

Fiona is able to supply a risk assessment template which can act as a handy check list of likely hazards that may be encountered. Let her know if you would like one and she will provide this.

When going out to survey, let someone know where you’re going and when you expect to return. Bring essentials: food, water, phone, sun protection, and appropriate footwear. Be tick-aware and do a tick check afterwards.

What if surveying isn’t for me?

If you want to help, but aren’t able to get out and look for it, we can absolutely find another way for you to get involved. First off, spread the word! Share our posts on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and tell your networks about our 200 Hours for Lacewings Challenge. If you’re keen to do more, get in touch with sote@nature.scot and we’ll work with you to find the best way for you to help. 

Let’s work together to put the Bordered Brown Lacewing on the map!