LACEWINGS AND ANTLIONS

Green Lacewings, Chrysopa spp.

Order: Neuroptera (Lacewings and Antlions)

Size: Up to 5⁄8"

Habitat: Gardens, fields

Range: Throughout North America

Green lacewings are a group of dainty, large-winged insects that are common in home gardens and weedy fields. The body is bright green and elongate, with an especially long abdomen, delicate legs, and a small head with metallic golden-brown eyes. The wings are much longer than the body and clear, with lacey, greenish veins. The larvae are wingless and armed with ferocious-looking front pincers. Adults may often be seen at night, as they are attracted, like moths, to lights. Larvae and adults are predators of small, soft-bodied insects, especially aphids, which they devour with chewing mouthparts. Although slightly foul smelling, they are very beneficial in gardens and greenhouses to control aphid populations. Curiously, their tiny eggs are attached to foliage via a long, thin, dangling stalk.