LACEWINGS

Lacewing larvae are voracious feeders upon aphids and other small insects, insect eggs, and spider mites. They are popular with gardeners because they eat insects that destroy vegetable plants. Lacewings can be attracted to gardens by planting pollen and nectar producing flowers. Lacewings come in green and brown varieties. They are also found in an near woods, forests, and fields.

Brown Lacewing eggs or larvae are often called APHID WOLVES although they eat a variety of other insects besides aphids. Some eat mealybugs, nymphs and other soft-bodied insects. Brown Lacewing adults are 3/8 inch to 5/8 inch in size and are camouflaged by their brown color. They are so well camouflaged that they can sneak up on prey and still avoid becoming food for birds.

Green Lacewing larvae, called aphid lions, feed voraciously on aphids, thrips, mites, small larvae, and other soft-bodied insects or eggs. Adults of this lacewing species are greenish or yellowish green, with delicate lace-like wings and golden eyes. They are about 25 mm long. Larvae have elongated, spindle-shaped mandibles that distinguish them from ladybird beetle larvae. Lacewing larvae use their mouthparts to puncture bodies of prey and extract body fluids. Looking like tiny alligators, green Lacewing larvae (Chrysopa rufilabris) will voraciously attack almost any prey they can grab.

Green Lacewing