
Community identification
Green lacewing larva
Chrysoperla carnea
- Order & Family
- Neuroptera, Chrysopidae
- Size
- 2 mm to 10 mm in length
Natural Habitat
Found in gardens, crops, and forests where aphids are present
Diet & Feeding
Predatory; primarily eats aphids, mealybugs, scales, and other soft-bodied insects
Behavior Patterns
Known as aphid lions, they are active crawlers and often use debris or soft insect remains to camouflage themselves
Risks & Benefits
Extremely beneficial for biological pest control in agriculture; can occasionally nip humans though they are not venomous or harmful