Calling on the Scottish public to help survey the Bordered Brown Lacewing

The Bordered Brown Lacewing (Megalomus hirtus) is very rare in the UK, known only in a small number of locations in Scotland. It’s been 200 years since this species was first recorded, yet there’s much we don’t know about its distribution and habitat. To celebrate this 200-year milestone, we have worked with Species on the Edge to challenge the Scottish public to clock up 200 hours of surveying for the Bordered Brown Lacewing.

The Bordered Brown Lacewing lives in two Scottish sites along the Aberdeenshire coast, in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh, and one site in Sutherland. Without an up-to-date survey, many unanswered questions remain, such as: Do Bordered Brown Lacewing populations exist elsewhere in Scotland? What do we know about their current habitats? Is the species still present in existing known sites?

It’s important to answer these questions to broaden our knowledge and better inform us on how to protect this rare species in the years to come. So, we need your help!

How can I get involved?

Searching for Bordered Brown Lacewing © Fiona Basford

The 200 hrs Lacewing Challenge runs until December 2026 so there is still time to join in. The best time to search for adults is between early June and mid-August, particularly on warm, calm days. 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.

How do I identify a Bordered Brown Lacewing?

When searching for the Bordered Brown Lacewing, you’re looking for a delicate brown lacewing with finely marked wings, about 1 cm in length. Jump to the video below, for further details on this species’ characteristics. Buglife are also running some identification events through summer 2026, so check out our Events page for more information.

Where to survey

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

Method: How to record and submit your survey

Download our Bordered Lacewing Survey Form and record your findings in all the fields. Once completed, send back to Buglife Species on the Edge Conservation Officer, Fiona via email: [email protected]

If you have any other questions or would like to receive a printable survey guidance document, please contact Fiona.

Method

Bring a white tray and a specimen jar to your chosen wood sage area.
Holding the tray underneath, bash the sage with a stick, regularly checking for the lacewing.
If you see one on your tray, place in the specimen jar and photograph clearly for positive identification.
Record the number of individuals seen, a grid reference (using a GPS device or phone app), and habitat condition, including:
1. Abundance and distribution of wood sage
2. Slope, aspect, and shading
3. Other plants present
4. Management issues or threats to habitat (e.g. overgrazing, bracken or gorse invasion, path erosion)
Take optional photographs of the site and habitat to include with your survey.

Tip: https://gridreferencefinder.com is a useful website for drawing simple shapes onto arial maps as well as providing accurate grid references. The map section of the form is particularly important to us so please take your time with it and get in touch of you have any problems.

Watch our video guide

For more information about the Bordered Brown Lacewing, it’s known preferred habitat, and how to record and submit a survey, watch our video below.

Staying safe

Before you head out, please make sure you follow the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, be respectful of landowners when visiting sites, stick to footpaths and safe routes, and do not undertake fieldwork alone. We are able to provide more advice on safe fieldwork practices, please get in touch if you would like more information.

Spread the word

You can also get involved by sharing our posts on social media (Facebook and Instagram) and tell your networks about the 200 hours for Lacewings challenge. If you’re keen to do more, get in touch with Buglife Conservation Officer Fiona ([email protected]) or Species on the Edge ([email protected]) and we’ll work with you to find the best way for you to help.

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