Green lacewing larva (aphid lion), likely carrying debris

Vegetation, gardens, crops, and wooded areas where aphids and other small arthropods occur.

Predatory larvae pierce and suck aphids, mites, whiteflies, thrips, and insect eggs. Adults generally eat nectar, pollen, honeydew, or small prey, depending on species.

Larvae are active hunters and may camouflage themselves with plant debris, shed skins, or prey remains carried on their backs. They later spin a spherical silken cocoon and emerge as winged adults.

Harmless and beneficial: lacewings provide natural biological control of crop and garden pests. A bite is uncommon and causes, at most, minor localized irritation.