Green lacewings are welcome guests in the GNG as their larvae are ravenous predators of the eggs and immature stages of soft bodied insects, especially aphids. When left unchecked, many soft bodied insect species can become garden pests. Lacewings are one of the natural predators that keep pesticides out of your garden.
Pollen-covered lacewing larvae on Apache plume flower
In about 30 – 40 days, a frightening looking green lacewing larvae will become an adult with an almost “fairy-like” appearance – especially while in flight. The adult lacewing pictured below was attracted to a UV light while surveying moths in the GNG.
Adult green lacewing – Chrysopidae Sp.