Micromus paganus

Description

A small brown lacewing, 7-8mm in length. The three species in the genus all lack a recurrent humeral vein. Typically, each species has a different number of branches along the radial vein so can generally be recognised with a good view of the wing venation. M. paganus has 5 branches, with the wings being broad and less rounded at the tip than the other two species. The forewings are tinted yellow brown. The tip of the male abdomen has a downward curving 'cat's claw'.

Identification difficulty
ID checklist (your specimen should have all of these features)
  • 7-8mm in length
  • brown forewings
  • no recurrent humeral vein
  • 5 branches off the radial vein
  • male with a 'cat's claw' at the tip
Recording advice

A good image of the wing venation is needed.

Habitat

Found in a wide variety of habitats.

UK Status

Common and widespread.

VC55 Status

Probably common and widespread but under-recorded.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Species group:
Lacewings & Scorpionflies
Kingdom:
Order:
Family:
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
02/05/2024 (Nicholls, David)
Last record:
21/10/2024 (Nicholls, David)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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