Lesson 3: Common Green Lacewing

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Lesson 3 Common Green Lacewing
The adults are recognized by their usually
greenish or yellowish-green color, delicate
lace-like wings, and have shining golden eyes in
some species (Fig.). They are rather delicate,
soft-bodied insects and are about 25 mm long.
Adult Green Lacewing
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Lesson 3 Common Green Lacewing
The larvae have elongate spindle-shaped mandibles
(Fig.). These characteristic mandibles readily
distinguish them from ladybird beetle larvae.
The larvae are very active in seeking their
prey, and obtain their food by puncturing the
body of the victim and extracting the body fluids
with their unusual mouth-parts.
Lacewing Larva
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Lesson 3 Common Green Lacewing
The lacewing flies of several species are common
predators of sorghum insect and mite
pests. Their larvae, called aphis lions, are
among the more important beneficial insects, and
feed voraciously upon aphids, thrips, mites,
small larvae, and other soft-bodied insects or
eggs.