Green Lacewing vs Trash-carrying Lacewing

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Green Lacewing Trash-carrying Lacewing
Scientific Name Chrysoperla carnea Chrysopa nigricornis
Order Neuroptera Neuroptera
Family Chrysopidae Chrysopidae
Size 12-20 mm body, 30 mm wingspan 16-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Worldwide North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Green Lacewing

Delicate green insects with lace-like wings and golden eyes. Larvae are ferocious predators nicknamed "aphid lions." Widely used in biological pest control.

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Did You Know?

Lacewing larvae are such effective predators they are nicknamed "aphid lions" — a single larva can devour 200 aphids per week during its development.

Trash-carrying Lacewing

A North American green lacewing with dark antennae. Its larvae camouflage themselves by piling debris on their backs.

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Did You Know?

Larvae stack the remains of consumed prey on their backs as both camouflage and defense.