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Family: Chrysopidae
Body length About 12 - 15mm.
There are aprox 14 different species of British Green lacewings, This spp , Chrysopa carnea agg is the commonest
Adults emerge from hibernatiing will survive on nectar and pollen but, will subsequently join their larvae in targetting their favourite diet, the aphid. Estimates for Lacewing can consume up to 600 aphids in its lifetime.
Description
The body is bluish-green with large golden or copper-bronze eyes , the insect turns a purplish or brownish pink towards autumn, it frequently enters houses to overwinter in a cool room. It is observed on foilage and can be attracted to light . The insect lays eggs which are pale green at the tips of long stalks on leaf surface , which hatch into yellowish larvae .The larvae have prominent jaws, as expected on aphid predators .
Diet
Predatory on small invertebrates especially aphids, on which the larvae specialise. The adults also take honey dropped on leaves by aphids.Habitat
Generally found in gardens. It is common throughout Britain.
Prey
AphidsPredators
Dragonflies and damselflies
