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Green Lacewing
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)

Common Name: Green Lacewing

Order: Neuroptera

Family: Chrysopidae

Pest Status: Green lacewings are very beneficial insect predators and are often propagated by organic landscapers and gardeners. They should always be conserved when possible.

Appearance: Adults are soft-bodied insects with four membranous wings, golden eyes, and green bodies.

Life Cycle: Females lay their eggs on silken stalks attached to plant tissues. The eggs hatch about four days after being laid and the larvae develop through three instars before pupating. Pupation occurs in loosely woven cocoons that are attached to plants or under loose bark. All stages of lacewings can overwinter.

Where to Collect: Green lacewings are generalist predators and are commonly found in agricultural, landscape, and garden habitats. Adults often fly at night and are seen when drawn to lights.