Neuroptera

This is the Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea), which I discovered in my garden the other day. They are good at devouring greenfly, so can be one of the gardener's best buddies. It belongs to the order mentioned in the title 'Neuroptera' - which contains the 'net-winged insects' such as lacewings, antlions and mantidflies. One...

Predator

You can see where the creators of the movie of the same name may have got their inspiration for the monster. This is the larva of a lacewing, and they are ferocious hunters of aphids. Click and click again on the image to get that little bit closer … June 2019, rear garden, Staffordshire, England....

Sisyra nigra

Wingspan 10-12mm. This small fly which rests with its wings in a tentlike fashion and resembles a brown lacewing is actually a Spongefly from the family Sisyridae within the order of Neuroptera. Note the antennae are completely dark compared to other similar species of which there are three in Britain within the same genus Sisyra....

Of Finest Lace #2

Double click on image to enlarge. Common Green Lacewing Chrysoperla carnea, August 2017, on shed, rear garden, Staffordshire, England.

Yet Another Master of Disguise

Coincidence can be a wonderful thing, and can sometimes pose a mystery. Whilst photographing the moth for my last post on the 'Master of Disguise' subject, I saw what I thought was the back-end of the moth separate and move off on its own. This can't be so? I thought, then realised it was another...

Of Finest Lace

This is the Common Green Lacewing (Chrysoperla carnea). If you have these in your garden you are in good hands, as these insects will eat up your greenfly in great numbers. Note how fine and delicate the wings are, and the tiny hairs which help identify this species of Chrysopidae, which is a subfamily in...

Chrysopa perla

Blue-green coloured lacewing with distinctive black stripe along the centre of the body and black markings on the head. The wings are black veined, and the antennae has a black second segment. Length 15mm. Like most lacewings, they feed on aphids. Seen May to August, with the adults overwintering. They inhabit many well vegetated habitats, including...

Micromus variegatus

The wings of this small lacewing have distinctive brown markings. Length 8mm. Like most lacewings, they feed on aphids. Mainly seen July and August. They inhabit many well vegetated habitats, including hedgerows and gardens. Common and widespread throughout. Photographs of Micromus variegatus, taken June 2015, rear garden , Staffordshire. © Pete Hillman 2015. Camera used...

Common Green Lacewing

Chrysoperla carnea A pale green species with clear green wings which are held tent-like over the body when at rest. This species lacks the dark head markings other similar species are identified by, but has a light yellowish-green stripe running down the centre of its body. Overwintering adults can be straw-coloured with red spots on...