Keywords Insects

Green LacewingsMost green lacewings have golden or copper eyes and are found on foliage. They are poor, erratic flyers and strongly attracted to light. Some 25 species occur in Canada, the most common of which are the common green (Chrysoperla carnea) and the goldeneyed (Chrysopa oculata), found in all provinces and territories except Nunavut.

Brown Lacewings Brown lacewings resemble greens but are generally smaller and less common. They frequent wooded areas. About 23 species are found in Canada; the most common, Hemerobius humulinus, occurs throughout the country below the TREELINE.

Other Species Beaded lacewing (family Berothidae) and giant lacewing (family Polystoechotidae) have one species each in Canada: Lomamyia occidentalis (southern BC), and Polystoechotes punctatus (BC, Alberta, Ontario and Québec), the latter now extremely rare.

Reproduction and Development Eggs are laid on foliage or other objects, singly or in groups of 20 or more. Larvae are voracious predators, seizing small insects or arachnids with pincerlike jaws. Thus they are used for the biological control of INSECT PESTS. When fully grown, larvae spin cocoons, usually in secluded places.

Green Lacewing
Most green lacewings have golden or copper eyes. They are found on foliage (artwork by Jan Sovak).

Author J.E.H. MARTIN

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.