Lacewings Antlions and Relatives: Neuroptera

Physical characteristics: This species is one of the small lacewings. The light to dark green body is long and slender, with broad wings. The head and first segment of the thorax have red patches. The face has a distinctive white area above the mouth. The larvae are long and have special hairs on their backs. The hairs are used for holding debris that helps to camouflage the larvae.

Geographic range: Green lacewings are found in the Northern Territory and in coastal Queensland, Australia.

Habitat: They live in forested areas.

Diet: Adults eat honeydew and flower nectar. The larvae eat soft-bodied arthropods, especially mealybugs.

Adult green lacewings eat honeydew and flower nectar. The larvae eat soft-bodied arthropods, especially mealybugs. (Illustration by Barbara Duperron. Reproduced by permission.)

Behavior and reproduction: Little is known about the behavior of this species. The larvae climb trees and shrubs to hunt for food. Adult females lay single eggs on the tips of silk stalks. The eggs are laid in batches of ten to fifteen.

Green lacewings and people: This species does not impact people or their activities.

Conservation status: This species is not listed as endangered or threatened. ∎