Lacewings are
sometimes mixed up with
lacebugs. Just remember,
lacewings are good guys and lacebugs are bad guys.
The adult lacewings
have long antennae and transparent green to brown
lacy wings which are held over their bodies. There
are several species including one that has
iridescent red/gold eyes.
Some people think
that the larval form of the lacewing resembles a
miniature alligators. They are yellow to gray in
color with reddish brown markings. With sickle
shaped jaws, they grab their prey and then such out
their body fluids. They are considered good
predators of
aphids,
mealybugs,
scales and other
small sized insects.
The green lacewing
species is available for purchase commercially to be
introduced into a landscape. They may not
over-winter well so you may need to reintroduce
them each spring.
As with all predator
species, remember that, if you use broad spectrum
insecticides, you will be killing them too.
