Green lacewings
(Neuroptera: Chrysopidae)

There are many different species of green lacewings. The following description provides general characteristics for this predatory group.

Males and female green lacewings of the same species are similar in size and appearance. The body color of green lacewings is greenish with copper colored eyes, with greenish to yellowish, lacy, iridescent wings. Green lacewings have long antennae. The eggs are very small and white and are attached to stalks on foliage and other substrates, including buildings. The larvae look similar to those of lady beetles, but are visibly hairy. They are also elongate and have sickle-shaped jaws. The larvae of some species attach debris to their backs as camouflage, earning them the name "trash bugs."

The life cycle of green lacewings is completed in 37 to 60 days. There are two to four generations per year.

Green lacewings are found living in grass, weeds and on foliage of trees and shrubs throughout the United States.

Green lacewings feed on aphids, caterpillars, butterfly eggs, scale insects, leafhoppers, thrips, small flies, mites, other green lacewings and many other small insects and their eggs.

Images

To save the Web-optimized images shown below to your hard drive:

PC users: right click to "Save Picture (or Image) As..."
Mac users: click and drag to your desktop.


Adult green lacewing, unidentified species.
(Photographer: James Castner, University
of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Green lacewing eggs, unidentified species.
(Photographer: Paul Choate, University of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Larva of Chrysoperla rufilabris, a green
lacewing.
(Photographer: James Castner, University
of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Green lacewing larva (trash bug), unidentified
species.
(Photographer: James Castner, University of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.


Cocoon of Chrysopa nigricornis, a green lacewing.
(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)

Click to access Display and Print quality images.



Return to Index


Copyright © 2007 University of Florida