Green Lacewings – Chrysoperla

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Common Green lacewings

Genus: Chrysoperla (Family: Chrysopidae) 

Common Name: Common Green Lacewings

Appearance: Green lacewings are 10-20 mm long small to medium-sized insects having light green, slender, soft bodies. They have large thin membranous wings that cover the abdomen like a roof. Their eyes look like two attached golden balls.

Host Plants or Food: Caterpillars, Lace bugs, Aphids, Mites, Mealybugs, Leafhoppers, Scales, Thrips, Nectar, and Pollens.

Territory: Species of this genus and genus Chrysopa are found throughout North America and Europe.

Mode of Damage: Beneficial Garden Insect

Habits and Life History:

  • Lacewings are found in fields, forests, gardens, meadows, landscapes, and swamps.
  • Female lays eggs on the underside of the leaves at night. One female lays 100-300 eggs during her whole life.
  • Larvae come out after almost 5 days and start crawling to search for their food (Aphids, mites, small caterpillars, etc.).
  • The larva is whitish brown and undergoes 3 instar stages and undergoes pupation.
  • After 10-14 days, the pupa develops into an adult. From egg to adult, it takes almost 4-6 weeks.
  • Common green lacewings produce many generations per year.