Cluster of lacewing eggs on stalks to protect them from predators.

Common Name:  Lacewing bug

Scientific Name: Chrysopeia rufilabris

Several green lacewing species commonly are found in gardens. The adult stage is familiar to most gardeners--a pale green insect with large, clear, highly-veined wings that are held over the body when at rest. Adult green lacewings primarily feed on nectar and other fluids, but some species also consume a few small insects.

Green lacewings lay a distinctive stalked egg, and lacewing larvae emerge in four to 10 days. These larvae, sometimes called aphid lions, are voracious predators capable of feeding on small caterpillars and beetles as well as aphids and other insects. In general shape and size, lacewing larvae are superficially similar to ladybird beetle larvae. However, immature lacewings usually are light brown and have a large pair of hooked jaws sticking out from the front of the head.