You may also like<\/strong><\/p> Lacewings belong to the order Neuroptera<\/em>, a delightful group of insects known for their intricate wing veins with a delicate, lacy appearance. Among the most frequently encountered lacewings in Britain are those from the green lacewing family, Chrysopidae<\/em>, and also the brown lacewing family, Hemerobiidae<\/em>. Their translucent wings help to camouflage them amongst plant foliage in diverse habitats: gardens, meadows, woodlands or wetlands. They are commonly found in temperate climates across Europe and North America, but they are also found in some tropical locations. Worldwide there are around 6,000 known species in 17 families; in Britain there are 70 species in six families. Lacewings are also referred to as \u2018Stinkflies\u2019 due to their ability to release an unpleasant odour as a defensive mechanism against predators.<\/p> Lacewings are nocturnal or crepuscular (coming out at dawn or dusk) making them primarily active during the darker hours. They find mates by using two sound receptive organs, one at the base of their wings and the other in their legs. These \u2018tympanal\u2019 organs enable them to hear the sounds emitted by prospective mates as they \u2018tremulate\u2019 or vibrate their bodies during courtship by emitting low-frequency sounds. These sounds, beyond the human auditory range, become a duet or song between the mating couples, and are specific to their species; courtship does not take place without it.<\/p> Females will lay several hundred eggs, usually on the underside of leaves and close to a food source of aphids<\/a>. Each egg is hung from a fine extended thread, often in delicate clusters, to help deter would be predators, or their own cannibalistic larvae, from devouring them. The larvae themselves emerge a few days later, immediately moult and hunt for food sources.<\/p> The hunting prowess of the larvae has led to them being nick-named as \u2018Aphid Lions\u2019<\/p><\/blockquote> The larvae are formidable creatures with insatiable appetites. Their well-developed mouth parts or mandibles enable them to immediately prey on aphids, caterpillars<\/a> and other soft bodied insects. In order to enhance their hunting efficiency and safeguard against predators, the larvae frequently camouflage themselves in the remains, or exoskeletons, of their prey. Their hunting prowess and voracious efficiency has led to them being affectionately nick-named as \u2018Aphid Lions\u2019, but don\u2019t get too close\u2026they are also capable of giving humans a little nip too! During these 1-3 weeks of feeding the larvae will undergo \u2018instar\u2019 or growth stages after which pupation will occur within a specially woven cocoon, before they finally emerge as an adult.<\/p> The Lacewing\u2019s ability to consume aphids at such an astonishing pace, make them a fantastic asset for any garden<\/a>. They serve a vital purpose in maintaining insect pest populations and are actively encouraged in commercial agriculture and horticulture. In fact, they are intentionally introduced into greenhouses because of their effectiveness as an organic, biological control. In our own gardens they play an important role in keeping aphid infestations at bay through eco-friendly means and therefore minimise the need for harmful chemical pest control methods and pesticides.<\/p>![\"Credit-Roger-Key\"](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2023\/11\/Chrysopid-larva-Credit-Roger-Key.jpg\")
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