Green Lacewing
Green lacewing (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) Vicky Bertagnolli ©2020, Clemson Extension
Green lacewings are in the order Neuroptera and the family Chrysopidae. Neuroptera is Greek for ‘veined’ + ‘wing’, referring to the many veins in the lacewings’ wings. Chrysopidae is Greek for ‘gold’ + ‘face’, referring to the golden eyes typical of green lacewings.
Green lacewings are considered beneficial insects as they serve as predators and natural enemies of many soft-bodied insects in the landscape. Lacewing larvae are voracious predators. Larvae have large, sickle-like mandibles and are found to commonly feast on aphids.
Identification of adult lacewings:
- About 3/4 inch long
- Most species green, some brown
- Wings with many cross veins
- Golden eyes
- Weak fliers
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