• Worldwide distribution. Lacewings prey on aphids, scales, mealybugs, thrips, psyllids, whiteflies, and other small insects, and mites.
• Adults feed mainly on pollen, nectar and honeydew. There are some species that also feed on insects, and some that do not.
• Eggs are laid on thin stalks, singly or in groups, on the underside of leaves, wood, or side of buildings.
• Larvae have pincers for grasping and injecting venom.
• Management: grow or encourage flowing plants, e.g., sunflowers, marigolds, and allow weeds, e.g., dandelions, daisies, for nectar and pollen; best avoid pesticides, or chose soap, white or horticultural oils, or neem that breaks down quickly.

Lacewings. There are two kinds: green (Photo 1) and brown (Photo 2). Green lacewings are more common and are also called 'common lacewings' or 'common green lacewings'. The two types, green and brown, not only differ in colour, but also in the venation of the wings. In this fact sheet we are dealing with green lacewings.

Green lacewings belong to the family Chrysopidae. Brown lacewings belong to the family Hemerobiidae. Two common genera of green lacewings are Chrysoperla and Chrysopa.