Green Lacewing Larva (often called Aphid Lion)

Natural Habitat

Found in gardens, agricultural fields, forests, and grassy areas worldwide, typically on plants infested with aphids or other soft-bodied pests.

Diet & Feeding

Carnivorous and voracious; primarily feeds on aphids, but also consumes thrips, spider mites, mealybugs, whiteflies, small caterpillars, and insect eggs.

Behavior Patterns

These larvae are active hunters, often crawling quickly across plant leaves in search of prey. They use large, sickle-shaped mandibles to grasp victims and inject digestive enzymes before sucking out the body fluids. Some species camouflage themselves by sticking debris or the drained carcasses of their prey to their backs (trash-carrying lacewings).

Risks & Benefits

Benefits: Highly beneficial to gardeners and agriculture as an effective biological pest control agent. Risks: Generally harmless to humans, though they can deliver a mild, prickly bite if handled, which may cause minor irritation but is medically insignificant.

Identified on: 3/1/2026