This is a fairly small (up to 1 cm) brown lacewing the typical form having a variegated wing pattern. There are other similar species and detailed examination is necessary in order to identify the species. There is also a unicolourous form (melancholica)

Wesmaelius subnebulosus is similar and detailed examination is needed to identify the species.

Often associated with birch.

Spring to autumn.

Widespread and fairly frequent in Britain.

Fairly frequent in Leicestershire and Rutland. There were approximately 12 validated records for this species according to the 'Checklist of Neuroptera and allies in VC55' published in 2018.