Green Lacewing
Scientific Name: Chrysoperla carnea (a common and widespread species, though many species exist within Chrysopidae)
Order & Family: Order: Neuroptera, Family: Chrysopidae
Size: Adults typically have a body length of 10-20 mm (0.4-0.8 inches) and a wingspan of 15-30 mm (0.6-1.2 inches). Larvae are usually 5-10 mm (0.2-0.4 inches) long.
Natural Habitat
Green lacewings are found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, agricultural fields, forests, meadows, and shrublands. They are particularly common in areas with abundant vegetation and prey.
Diet & Feeding
Adults of many species feed on nectar, pollen, and honeydew; some also prey on soft-bodied insects. The larvae are voracious predators, primarily feeding on aphids, but also consuming other small insects and mites such as mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites.
Behavior Patterns
Adults are active flyers, especially at dusk and night, and are often attracted to lights. They lay eggs, often on stalks, which hatch into larvae. The larvae, sometimes called 'aphid lions', are highly predatory and undergo several molts before pupating, often in a silken cocoon. The adult then emerges from the pupa.
Risks & Benefits
Benefits: Green lacewings are highly beneficial insects, particularly in agriculture and gardening, due to their predatory larvae. They are excellent biological control agents for a wide range of pests, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. Risks: Generally, green lacewings pose no risks to humans or pets. They do not bite or sting.
Identified on: 8/18/2025