University of Florida

Green Lacewing

Chrysopidae (beneficial)

  • Adult: greenish color, delicate lace-like wings, shining, golden eyes, 3/4 in. long.
  • Egg: laid singly on silken stalk which projects 1/4 - 1/2 in. above surface of leaves or stems to which they are attached.
  • Larva: elongate, spindle-shaped ("alligator-like") with long sickle-like mandibles.
  • Pupa: pupae in silken cocoons.
  • Generation Time: 40 days.
  • Prey: aphids, insect eggs, and small caterpillars.

Green Lacewing Pictures

Lacewing larva
Image #1.
Lacewing predator-

a) larva of a common "trash-bearing" species attaches the remnants of prey and other debris to its body (courtesy of E. Vasquez);

b) stalked eggs may be deposited anywhere on plant.

Lacewing Predator
Image #1.
Lacewing predator-

a) adult has delicate wings held roof-like over its body and is active at night;

b) larva uses paired, sickle-like mandibles to hold prey while sucking its contents.